Free Earth Man by Richard Paul Evans

from the edge of the universe. Eventually the remnants fell into a nearby star but before it was incinerated it spread itself through spores into nearby solar systems. The bacteria could live even in the vacuum of space and through the destruction and distance between worlds it waited patiently.
    The Growth was nothing more than a sentie nt fungus; it did not have the ability to grow beyond that, not until it came into contact with other life forms. To the Growth living DNA was malleable and changeable; the flesh of other living things could be controlled. The tiny spores infected the bodies of other living creatures and used their own genetic advantages to further their own biological imperative. It did not matter if the aliens were made of iron or water, the spores would infect them eventually and immediately change them into a suitable host by mutating and controlling them. Any living thing with DNA was a puppet to be controlled by the Growth.
    Once all life on an infected world was part of their collective they would destroy the planet, the explosion spreading their spores farther into space. The planets tried to defend themselves the only way they could; by creating life. A hero was chosen on every world to stop the spread of the Growth, someone who the planet believed could save it. Some heroes won and purged their world of the taint. Others, far too many, failed and were consumed, corrupted and eventually destroyed. The death of the protector meant that world had fallen, for their flesh too would become part of the Growth. The bigger the planet, the more evolved the technology, the farther the Growth could spread itself. The Earth was proud of its diverse life and it did not hesitate in choosing its defender. Just as the living planet knew that the aliens had reached it, it also chose Danny to protect it. There was no reason given as to why, perhaps it was random chance, the Earth was not saying either way.
                  Danny opened his eyes and took a deep breath. The sun blinded him but it was warm and comforting on his skin. The wind stirred the grass and it brushed gently against his face and he decided to lay there a minute longer and enjoy it. All the stress and fear he’d felt the last few days was gone. Although his head hurt and his legs were sore he felt better than he’d ever felt before. There was no urgency to move, nothing more important at that moment than watching the grass sway in the wind. With his eyes closed he could almost feel the planet moving through space beneath him. His mind had been opened to see the larger picture, the bigger universe that existed. Earth was more than just a home; it was the birthplace of all mankind. Knowing how unique the diversity of Earth’s life was, knowing there was other life out there, gave him a feeling of intense joy. Humanity was no longer alone and while there was great danger, he liked feeling as if he was part of something grand and impossible.
    As he stood up he looked down at his feet, wondering where his shoes were. Then he suddenly remembered leaving the house in his pyjama pants the night before.
    “Oh shit! Helen!”
    As he took to the air, he ’d already forgotten the strange alien/animal people he’d met in the woods. The joy he was feeling numbed him to any regrets or worries. Danny was elated that he was the Avatar of Earth and nothing else that day would break through the haze of happiness he was experiencing.
     
     
     
     
     
     

EARTH MAN
    PART 2
     
     
    WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
     
    My little horse must think it queer
to stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
the darkest evening of the year.
    -         Robert Frost
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

             
     
    Danny managed to wave down a burly looking man in a pick-up truck, even though he was standing by the side of the road in a pair of plaid pyjama pants. The large man’s name was Greg. He was kind and believed